SUNDAYS 8:45, 9:45, 11AM*
SANCTUARY *AND AT FUMCR.COM/LIVE
SUNDAYS, 9:45AM FUMCR.COM/ONLINE
ON DEMAND YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR
MODERN WORSHIP
SUNDAYS, 11AM
WORSHIP & ARTS CENTER
503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877
Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385
fumcr.com
Senior Pastor
Dr. Clayton Oliphint
Director of Communications
Kristen Ceaser
Managing Editor
Francy Collins
Graphic Designer
Kyle Henson
Communications & Media Team
Kevin Burns
Ben Chamness
Eric Czechowski
Rohini Drake
Shandon Klein
Leslie Kring
Claire O'Neil
Tyler Payne
Mallory Pickering
Contributors
Rev. Joy Anderson
Dr. Vic Casad
Rev. Julia Castleman
Rohini Drake
Rev. Keith Head
Rev. Mary Howard
Pam Hughes
Rev. Pavielle Jenkins
Rev. Alice Logan
Tom Pemberton
Stacey Ruff
Dianne Weideman
First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published five times a year, by First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080. Periodicals postage paid at Richardson, TX and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to: First Connections, PO Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75083-0877
What an amazing summer we are experiencing at First United Methodist Church Richardson! We started with our Happy Campers series and then moved into a series on great hymns of our faith, This is My Song. We’ve watched hundreds of campers come through our doors. One of my highlights each summer is leading the Vacation Bible Camp kids in a rousing version of the song, “My God is So Big.” Seeing our HEROES campers have a camp experience here can melt the coldest heart. The joy I have witnessed on their faces must have been something like the joy the children had when Jesus took them up in his arms and blessed them. Youth have gone out on a choir tour and on mission trips, and they will be impacted for life by these experiences of serving others. In all of these experiences, the spirit and love of God is evident.
We are in a season of growing momentum. Our in-person worship attendance is gaining year over year and moving toward pre-pandemic numbers. Our online ministry continues to expand and thrive. 150 new members have joined our church family through the first six months of this year. New guests continue to show up and find
a warm welcome. Many young families are finding a spiritual home for themselves and their children at FUMCR. God’s Spirit is alive and moving through the ministries of our church.
As we prepare for the start of another school season, this is a good time for all of us to renew our commitment to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. The church connects us to our spiritual foundation in God. There has never been a more important time than now to have that connection. Regular participation in a faith
community has a positive impact on the balance of our lives, our mental health, our spiritual health, and our wellness as human beings. All of this comes from the heart of God, as God gives us our true identity and showers us with goodness, grace, and strength for the demanding journey of life.
I hope to see you soon as we welcome, grow, and serve in our community. God has given us a great mission. Let’s embrace it and pursue it with God’s help.
In Christ,
Clayton Oliphint senior pastor
Tennessee seems to beckon to talented young people, and this summer some of those young people were members of The Journey Youth Choir on their first summer tour since 2019. The choir’s ability to share love with all ages through music and personal interaction is something special to witness.
After a congregational send-off, we drove to our first stop, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, for a night in the dorm rooms. Music, worship, games, and plenty of excitement all contributed to this group “banding” together.
Touring the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis the next day impacted everyone, and we all came away with more knowledge and respect. An impromptu performance outside the museum was quick, fun, and hot! The choir sang at Belmont Senior Living that afternoon. Visiting with the residents before and after the concert made the experience that much more meaningful on both sides.
Nashville was just a morning drive away and our home for the next three days. First stop was the Tennessee School for the Blind. The students there met the choir through a concert, but they got to know each other afterwards as they made instruments together and followed where their interests and talents led them. Curious about the drums, one student enjoyed discovering each drum, cymbal, and step before playing them. Another student asked how many girls and boys were in the choir. A spontaneous solo followed by a student rapping was amazing and heart-warming. Interacting with the students and seeing how they interpreted music was a highlight. The true impact of this trip on our youth was becoming evident. And the day wasn’t over. A little unwinding at the Grand Ole Opry was in store in the evening. Little did we know when tickets were purchased months earlier that the performers that night would include Josh Turner, the Oak Ridge Boys, Lainey Wilson, and Carrie Underwood. What a treat!
Wednesday’s performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame entertained people as they walked through the lobby toward the exhibits. One gentleman sat down and listened to the entire show. The choir sang later that day at the Nashville Rescue Mission, where residents of the mission applauded every song and even sang along to many. Music touched some souls that evening. Our last stop in Nashville was a tour of Studio B, and the choir recorded a song.
Aug 20, 2:30-4:30pm
Westlake Skate Center
Back in Memphis, the performance at the Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center was recorded and played in all the rooms. Without a live audience, it was hard to discern the benefit, but during worship that evening, I assured them their efforts were appreciated. You see, I experienced long visits in the hospital as a child with a heart condition. Special activities were key in making the time go by quicker for patients and for parents. I’m sure those children and their families were uplifted in more ways than our youth were able to see firsthand.
Our last night of worship included memorable letters and stories. This group of youth has done some amazing things this year. The impacts they’ve made on others and on each other go way beyond their beautiful voices to stir hearts and minds with their intentional care. Surprising to me was my new name of Papa Pemberton (Papa P), which I’ll be happy to hear as a chaperone for the foreseeable future! The seniors will be missed next year, but new members will be greeted with open arms. I look forward to the impact they make next year, and if you ever get a chance spend some time with this young, talented choir, I recommend it!
These groups come together for a common interest, offer opportunities to meet new people in the church and community, and often span generations.
Wicked Women of the Bible
Sundays, July 30 – Aug 27 (except Aug 13), 3-5pm
Led by Stacey Ruff and our clergywomen
Propaganda of the Gospels
Sundays, Sept 10 – Oct 1, 6-7:30pm
Led by Dr. Dan Flanagan
Disciple: Invitation to Genesis
Mondays, Sept 11 – Dec 4, 11:30am-1pm
Led by Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill
Connecting With Our Children: Guiding Principles in Today’s World
Tuesdays, Oct 3-24, 11:30am-1:30pm
Led by Lisa Hancock
Acts Sunday School
Sundays, Oct 8 – Nov 5, 9:45-10:45am
Led by Bishop Max Whitfield and Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill
Details & Registration: fumcr.com/learn
Help with harvesting fruit and vegetables in the FUMCR garden to provide fresh produce to Network.
Days/times are based on your schedule.
Contact Penny Hamlett: pjhamlett1@sbcglobal.net
Prepare, deliver, and/or serve a lunch to New Friends New Life clients on August 30.
Contact Deb Hoff: debhtx@gmail.com
More opportunities: fumcr.com/serve
I first felt my call to ministry at church camp the summer after 7th grade, but I was a part of a tradition that does not support women in ministry. I ran from my call until I was a senior in high school. Once again, I was at church camp when I knew that God was calling me to vocational ministry, and even though I didn’t know how it would work out, I had to trust that God knew more than I did and would lead me. And God did! I’ve now served five years in full-time ministry.
I was introduced to the UMC by accident: a friend of mine working in UM youth ministry needed someone to fill in for her at her church. I fell in love with the history of the UMC and it’s connection to the social gospel movement. I love United Methodism’s commitment to social justice and faith lived out in action. I think our understanding of the sacraments and willingness to embrace mystery is so beautiful. But the most wonderful thing to me is our connectionalism and commitment to living out the Body of Christ together.
Teenagers are at a pivotal place in their lives, building their identities and deciding how they’re going to exist in the world while also wrestling with some of the most significant issues humans have to deal with: grief, growth, autonomy, stress, anxiety, responsibility, and so much more. By being in their lives for these moments, youth pastors have the opportunity to embody Christ’s presence in the lives of teenagers in ways that will shape their faith forever. My hope is that my relationship with the youth at FUMCR will set them up with a faith that sustains them no matter what may come.
Color - Pink! (All shades)
Bible verse - Romans 8:28-29
Bible story - Jacob wrestling with God has always felt like a story about my own faith as I’ve struggled to understand who God is and how God moves in the world. Jacob’s story gives me great comfort that, if I just keep trusting in God’s goodness, I will find blessing.
Drink - Dr. Pepper (I’m convinced 23 is the newest holy number.)
Singer / Song - Taylor Swift / “The Lakes (Original Version)”
Movie - My Big Fat Greek Wedding (I love all romance movies and books.)
Religious book other than the BibleSoul Feast has been hugely impactful on my spiritual life. And it doesn’t make you feel bad for not being perfect at spiritual disciplines.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a personal journey; unfortunately, it is often also a lonely journey. FUMCR offers several avenues to help participants navigate grief. Studies show, “If you don’t deal with grief, grief will deal with you.” In addition to emotional distress, unacknowledged grief can affect the body in negative ways such as aches and pains, gut issues, an impaired immune system, and disrupted sleep patterns. Our hope at FUMCR is that our classes will offer safe places to process losses with others who are experiencing grief as well.
All seminars and groups are open to the community. You may know someone who could benefit.
Facilitated by Stacey Ruff, M.Ed., LPC
Thursdays, Aug 8 – Sept 7, 11:30am-1:30pm
Facilitated by Terri Hartman
8-Week Seminar
Thursdays, Sept 7 – Oct 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Monthly Support Group
2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
A casual space for women to share and support one another.
3rd Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Facilitated by Dr. April Johnson Bristow
Mondays, Sept 18 – Nov 6, 7-8:30pm
fumcr.com/care
Whether they chose to teach, serve in caring ministry, participate in missions, share their musical talents, or simply be present for worship, the many clergy who chose to call FUMCR home in the season after appointed ministry are a blessing to us. We’re delighted to share a small part of their stories – proud moments in ministry, earned wisdom, and reasons for hope.
I loved being in ministry for 52 years, 40 at FUMCR. I was so proud, after working in the UMC for 25 years, to be ordained a deacon in 1997, then a newly created pastoral role. So many of my other proud moments came after mission events that made such an impact on people’s lives. Work camps and mission trips, raising over $100,000 in a weekend of International Christmas Market, providing totebags of supplies to 1000 unhoused individuals, helping children maintain and improve their reading skills and feel cared for by FUMCR through Read With Me, and so many more moments make me proud of my ministry.
I've been retired for 1 1/2 years now, and I'm still figuring it out. I love working in my yard and have spent a lot of time this spring doing that. I've been able to travel more on river cruises and with friends to places I haven't been before. And of course, I come home to FUMCR.
I recently came across a quote from the Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann He said, “Hope is the deep conviction that God has not quit.” My time with the lay people of Market Street UMC and in retirement at FUMCR reassures me that God has not quit on the United Methodist Church.
Market Street UMC is a brand new church in the Mabank/Athens area formed by a group of United Methodists who were distraught and saddened when their beloved churches chose to disaffiliate from the UMC. These lay people came together and asked if it was possible to start a new congregation in their area. I have just completed a five-month interim assignment with them, and with the help of the North Texas Annual Conference, we chartered Market Street United Methodist Church on March 26. It was a great day, and it has been a highlight of my ministry career to have played a part of it.
At FUMCR, lay and staff alike are all praying, serving, and encouraging one another to keep it special, as we all look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. And the extra special thing about FUMCR to me is that my wife’s brother is the senior pastor!
My early years in ministry involved working with youth in the local church. Late one night, there was a knock on my bedroom window from a girl in our youth group. She came in and talked for a while about life issues upsetting her. I took her the next day to the local MHMR office where she talked with a counselor. When I encountered her some years later at a church reunion, she told me that visit and referral saved her life.
These days I try to listen to my life and to what’s calling me now. A few of my involvements include using my accounting skills (as a second career CPA) as a member of a resident committee at Highland Springs related to finance, enjoying some writing projects, and staying connected with family and friends. I choose to be connected to the faith community that is FUMCR because it feels welcoming, authentic, grounded in the gospel, and hopeful. My hope for the future church lies in God’s continuing relationship with his creation, even when signs of his activity are difficult to decipher, and with our continuing need for relationship with him and with each other.
Two of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this season of life pertain to the importance of trusting God in the transitions, both collective and personal.
Feeling a call to work with local churches needing revitalization, I retired from itineracy 10 years ago, got trained as a church “transitional specialist,” and have since been fortunate to work with 25 churches as a coach/ facilitator and serve five appointments as an Intentional Interim Minister. I now assist in training others to help churches move from decline to vital health. Churches can transition from decline to revitalization when they work to discern a new God-sized vision for this time and trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make it happen in that place. I’ve seen it happen!
The more time I spend at FUMCR, the more evidence I see of this church embodying the very practices that I learned and teach to other churches to develop life-giving ministry: a clear mission/vision, radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risktaking mission and service, and extravagant generosity.
Transition from decline to revitalization on an individual scale can happen when people know they are loved and have hope for the future. As I share in the lives of my growing grandchildren (now 8, 5, and 3), I seek to love them for the wonderful individuals they are and hopefully help prepare them in body, mind, and spirit for a future that will likely be filled with transitions. As my wife, Shirley, and I spend time with her 92-year-old father on hospice with Alzheimer’s disease, we are sad, but we aren’t despondent because we trust that death does not have the last word.
God desires all of us to become “transitional specialists” in all the seasons of our lives.
Rev. Marilyn Dickson and I taught together for five years. It was such a joy to get to know so many women in our church at that deep level that comes from delving into scripture together, praying with one another, and sharing our deepest concerns. I continue now with a precious group on zoom.
“Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."
Throughout scripture, we see the call to care for the poor and disadvantaged in our society, and Jesus especially exhibits this throughout his ministry. Neighbors in need reach out to FUMCR almost daily to seek assistance. These requests are varied and include asking for help with paying rent and utilities, car repairs and payments, medicine, food, gas, clothing, and more.
With each request is a story – a single parent who took off from work without pay to stay home with a sick child and now cannot cover the bills for the month, an elderly person on a fixed income who is unable to pay for their new medication, a mother trying to rebuild her life after leaving an abusive relationship who needs help fixing a serious car issue. Often, neighbors are referred to organizations in our community that provide the resources they are seeking. However, there are times when neighbors do not qualify, need assistance that others are unable to offer, or are in an emergency situation that requires immediate help. This is where the
(Matthew 25:34-36)church steps in to not only be a compassionate and loving presence, but also to meet their needs as we are able using the People in Need Fund.
We have received and addressed approximately 120 requests and given out almost $12,000 since January of this year. This is almost double the number of requests we had at this time last year and aligns with significant increases in individuals seeking help compared to previous years that Network of Community Ministries is experiencing.
The People in Need Fund is fully supported by donations and is running very low. If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may do so online at www.fumcr.com/givenow and select “other” then “PIN fund,” or you may mail a check to the church with “PIN fund” in the memo line. Thank you for your generosity - whether you have contributed in the past or will give in the future. Your support helps to show God’s love and care for the least of these in our community.
One of the most rewarding parts of my time serving as Church Council chair over the past few years has been getting to know our amazing lay members and witness the ways they lead in every corner of our church.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul tells the early church that “Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. … Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
So it is at FUMCR, where some members lead summer programs for our children and youth, while others organize ministries to meet needs in our community, and still others serve as greeters, musicians, and worship participants on Sunday mornings.
I’m also always so encouraged to see the stories of good news and positive community impact coming from our congregation. Most recently, seeing news outlets spotlight our VBC students, who partnered with Rise Against Hunger to pack 9,000 meals for hungry children, brought a smile
by Pam Hughesto my face. Stories like these are the church at its best, with each member contributing to the greater whole.
From gardening and cooking, to music, service and social justice – whatever the area where
you feel called – know that there is an FUMCR ministry or committee that could use your unique gifts. This is your formal invitation to get involved!
Summer has always been one of my favorite seasons at FUMCR. On any given day, I might walk by sidewalk artwork by HEROES campers, flags being captured at sports camp, or Read With Me participants selecting their favorite books. It certainly can be an energy-filled season.
Mid-summer typically brings a bit of a “summer slump” in giving, though, primarily attributed to people’s changing schedules and vacationing. While we budget knowing this summer slump will happen, we also keep a cautious eye on how we come
by Dianne Weideman, Director, Finance
out of summer. As of June 30, we are approximately $108,000 behind budgeted income. While not terribly concerning, it is not ideal either. Our wonderful Finance Committee will be meeting at the end of July and again in September to review our current financials and ensure we are appropriately positioned going into the end of the year. I continue to be grateful for these lay leaders, and their willingness to serve in this way. One thing we have noticed that helps with maintaining consistent giving during the summer is recurring giving.
With so many people setting up recurring gifts, it has made it much easier to make thoughtful and intentional decisions regarding our facilities and various ministry areas. There is no amount too small (or too large) to set up a recurring gift. Worried about the credit card fees? Choosing the bank draft/ ACH option is very inexpensive to the church. If this is something you may be interested in, please visit fumcr.com/give. As always, if you ever need anything from the Business Office, please connect with us, we are happy to help!
972.996.0106
972.996.0131
972.996.0133
Dianne Weideman Director of Finance dweideman@fumcr.com Stachia Brothers Contributions Manager sbrothers@fumcr.com Karen Jones Accounts Payable Manager kjones@fumcr.comIn May of 2023, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country. Lack of connection to each other and our communities is now considered a national health crisis. What can we do to respond to this crisis? How can we help nurture connection in our community and to something greater than ourselves?
This fall, FUMCR is partnering with The Nearness to bring leaders and friends across the Richardson community together to build meaningful connections, host reflective conversations, and feel part of something bigger than us as individuals. The Nearness has been creating online conversation spaces across the globe. These spaces invite people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to come together in weekly small groups for six weeks to share their thoughts and experiences around spirituality in the hope of building empathy and friendship. Richardson is one of the first places these conversations are happening locally as we see how this type of connection can impact
a community. We’re calling this new initiative the Richardson Journey of The Nearness.
As we recognize that divisions and disconnection often characterize the world around us, the goal of the Richardson Journey of The Nearness is to bring together organizations and individuals across the city to unite, discover common ground, and embark on a transformative journey together. Building authentic relationships and friendships are at the heart of this collaboration. Invitations to participate are being extended to houses of worship, non-profits, educational institutions, and businesses throughout the Richardson community. We’ve made 150 spots available for participants as a nod to the City of Richardson celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The Richardson Journey runs online from the week of October 2 through the week of November 12, and all participants will gather for an in-person celebration on November 16. For more information about this collaboration or to attend an info session, visit thenearness.coop/Richardson or email Rohini Drake at rohini@fumcr.com
Thank you, FUMCR! Your generous contributions to UWF’s annual backpack drive will allow local agencies to support their clients with new, practical bags for any number of purposes. Organizations receiving backpacks through this year’s drive:
Network of Community Ministries
Agape Resource and Assistance Center
Dallas Bethlehem Center
Gateway of Grace
North Texas Welcoming Center for Migrants at Oak Lawn UMC
FUMCR Read With Me participants
FUMCR Single Parent Action Network members
FUMCR Zimbabwe congregation
Gratefully, United Women in Faith
P.S. If you haven’t had a chance to give, you have until July 31 at fumcr.com/givenow (Any excess funds will be used for school supplies.)
Memorial and honorary gifts are a special way to celebrate a life, birthday, anniversary, special occasion, or just to say thank you. Below are the gifts given March 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023.
Jimmy Maddox by Steven and Dolores Becker
David Robertson by Jean von Hoffmann, Anne Rodgers, Bonnie Edwards, Betty Self, Betty Bartula, William and Jeanette Pakalka, Bud and Mary Ann Hall
Dr. Philip Del Rosario by the Banzon family
Martha Aldridge by Fred and Mary Cole Smith, Kelli and Joe Schmidt
Joan Huddleston by Bonnie Edwards, Richard and Jolynne Harvey, Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson, Sylvia Deadwyler
Don Jenkins by Betty Self, Betty Bartula, Dick and Jolynne Harvey, Rosalind Black, Penny Smith, Bill and Julie Wilkinson, Ken and Dorothy Cheairs, Bonnie Edwards
Keith Larson by Bill and Betty Corbin, John and Anita Everhart
Roy Naugle by Beth York, Mina P. Beam, Kathie Naugle Young, Adam and Kristi Ream, Josh and Erin Young, Carleen Naugle
Barbara Silber by Bettye and Mike Haynes
Clayton Oliphint, Joy Anderson, Mary Lightfoot, Karen Varner, Connie Presley, and Jennifer Rawlinson by The Petri Family
Dan Flanagan by James and Robin Kelly
Michael Ross by Petty Energy LP, Neil Orleans, Baker Botts LLP, David and Suzanne Fournier, David Barlow, Sharon and Glenn Weiss, Jamie and Frank Felton
Jeannette Winkelmann’s brother, Jim Sherfey, by the Sophia Sunday School Class
Mary Turner by Bill and Betty Corbin, Val Benavides, Harriet Garnett, Tracy Shamblin, Jean von Hoffmann
Dr. John G. Mueller by Elaine and the Mueller Family
Chuck Petri by Frances Green, Jo Ann and Ronnie Patton, Jennifer and Chip Rawlinson
Grace McHenry by Sullins & Johnston, Attorneys at Law, PC; Anya and Kevin McInnis
Ginnie Nolte by Sylvia Deadwyler
Ken Presley by the Michael Kennedy Family
The Odyssey Sunday School by Michael, Emily, Nate, and Mary Bryce Bufkin
Margaret Fowler by Candy Goehring
972.235.8385
fumcr.com
a new worship series starting sunday, august 13
